Lesser known races 2025 edition

[RedheadDane]

Yes, but this looks like a U23 race and Mentjes.

What's wrong with a U23 race and Meintjes?
Well... Meintjes in a U23 race would obviously be very wrong...

 

[search]

Yes, but this looks like a U23 race and Mentjes.

It's surprising that Astana isn't here this year. Even easier than last year.

.1 stage races don't really offer much points, makes sense to focus on the French weekend of one-day races instead.

The startlist looks alright to me for a race at this level.

edit: okay, Astana doesn't do the French races either?!

 

[Cycling111]

What's wrong with a U23 race and Meintjes?
Well... Meintjes in a U23 race would obviously be very wrong...

Nothing wrong. I like the U23 and Junior categories, but that's what those categories are for.
In a professional race, I don't expect riders from development teams.

Astana could have finished 1-2-3 here. Many easy points were thrown away by Vino.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Reduced bunch sprint coming up in 3km

 

[Brullnux]

PCS list Stephen Williams here, is that right? I feel like he's a big name for a hilly 2.1 race nestled in the middle of the classics season

 

[RedheadDane]

In a professional race, I don't expect riders from development teams.

How else are the young riders gonna get a change at the pro level? They're not all Evenepoel or Withen types who can step right up to the WT from the Junior ranks.

 

[Cycling111]

PCS list Stephen Williams here, is that right? I feel like he's a big name for a hilly 2.1 race nestled in the middle of the classics season

He should win it easily if he's in last year's shape.

 

[RedheadDane]

Covi with a long sprint.

 

[search]

Williams was dropped long ago. He is coming back from injuries, so using this to get in shape again

 

[SafeBet]

The Puma is back!
Last win was his Giro stage on Fedaia. So happy for him.

 

[Netserk]

The Puma is back!
Last win was his Giro stage on Fedaia. So happy for him.

What's been up with him since? Just too far down in the pecking order, or some setbacks?

 

[Brullnux]

Nothing wrong. I like the U23 and Junior categories, but that's what those categories are for.
In a professional race, I don't expect riders from development teams.

Astana could have finished 1-2-3 here. Many easy points were thrown away by Vino.

There's a spectrum of .1 races, and this is at the lower end. You still have Tudor and Q36.5, who are basically WT teams, and two out of three of Israel's best GC riders.

For instance, look at the Asturias race. Same number of WT teams, and a weaker selection of PRT team. We shouldn't overestimate the depth of 2.1 races – they're here also as one of the only places to blend CT and WT teams.

 

[Salvarani]

I actually quite like the chance of getting a look at some of the more unknown riders.

How much room do you have under your couch?!

 

[SafeBet]

What's been up with him since? Just too far down in the pecking order, or some setbacks?

Mononucleosis and knee issues.

 

[Onizuka999]

Easy win for Covi. 2nd Colnaghi after the win last Saturday in Reggio and 3rd Fancellu. Most of the participants are u23. That's not a Tour of the Alps 2

 

[RedheadDane]

How much room do you have under your couch?!

Hiding under my couch is really not the tactic if you want to get a look at some of the more unknown riders.

 

[yaco]

Nothing wrong. I like the U23 and Junior categories, but that's what those categories are for.
In a professional race, I don't expect riders from development teams.

Astana could have finished 1-2-3 here. Many easy points were thrown away by Vino.

Astana riders are not machines. The team has already done a tonne of races in 2025 which will affect them in the future months.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Good interview with the winner, Covi.

 

[Salvarani]

Hiding under my couch is really not the tactic if you want to get a look at some of the more unknown riders.

I am just concerned about the safety of these riders that you are spying on. I dont want any of them to suddenly disappear.

 

[Onizuka999]

Good performance for the japanese Ukyo with also Simone Raccani in 8th place.

 

[RedheadDane]

I am just concerned about the safety of these riders that you are spying on.

It's hardly spying to watch people who are on live television/streaming.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Another one for UAE. There is someone who can't win? Jesus Christ. 13 different winners already this year

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Mononucleosis and knee issues.

So you're saying there is hope for fausto...

 

[RedheadDane]

Another one for UAE. There is someone who can't win? Jesus Christ. 13 different winners already this year

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Jesus Christ is not going to win a race for UAE...

Being on my Easter Break has great advantages for me!
(Obviously I'm on my Easter Break, I can't really be on anyone else's Easter Break...)

 

[Salvarani]

It's hardly spying to watch people who are on live television/streaming.

Very comforting to hear.

But then again, it is pretty terrifying to read "You shall all be  punished!" in your signature.

I am just not sure we can believe you.